The BEA Wire | BEA's Official Blog
April Trade Gap is $50.1 Billion
The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in April 2012, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $52.6 billion (revised) in March to $50.1 billion in April, as imports decreased more than exports. The previously published March deficit was $51.8 billion. The goods deficit decreased $2.7 billion from March to $64.8 billion in April, and the services surplus decreased…
Widespread State Economic Growth in 2011
Real GDP increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia in 2011. Leading industry contributors were durable-goods manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; and information services.
Durable-goods manufacturing was the leading contributor to real GDP growth in 26 states, contributing 3.94 percentage points to growth in Oregon and 1.17 percentage points to growth in Michigan.
Real Consumer Spending Picks Up in April
Personal income increased 0.2 percent in April after increasing 0.4 percent in March.
Current-dollar disposable personal income (DPI)—after-tax income—increased 0.2 percent in April after increasing 0.4 percent in March.
Real DPI—income adjusted for taxes and inflation—increased 0.2 percent in April, the same increase as in March.
Real consumer spending—spending adjusted for price changes—rose 0.3 percent in April…
GDP Growth Moderates in First Quarter
Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 1.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012 after rising 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter, according to the second estimate released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The first-quarter growth rate was 0.3 percentage point less than the “advance” estimate released in April.
Over the past 4 quarters, real GDP grew 2.0 percent.
First-quarter highlights An acceleration in consumer…
What is the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis?
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, a unit of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the federal agency responsible for measuring the U.S. economy, or as some say, BEA is the nation’s accountant.
Tracking Foreigners' Spending in the United States
Have you ever wondered what foreigners spend their money on while visiting the United States or what Americans buy while overseas? BEA is often asked for this information, but until recently, didn’t have the means to fully respond. So, we embarked on a research project aimed at finding the answers.
Personal Income Increased 0.4 Percent in March
Personal income in the United States increased 0.4 percent in March after increasing 0.3 percent in February. Wages and salaries rose 0.3 percent in March after rising 0.4 percent in February.
Current-dollar disposable personal income (DPI)—income after taxes—increased 0.4 percent in March after increasing 0.2 percent in February.
Real DPI—income adjusted for taxes and inflation—increased 0.2 percent in March after decreasing…
GDP Growth Slows in First Quarter
Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2012 after increasing 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
First-quarter highlights The slower economic growth reflected slower growth in inventory and fixed investment by businesses:
GDP Growth Slows in First Quarter
Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2012 after increasing 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
First-Quarter GDP Defense Spending
In the first quarter of 2012, defense spending declined at an 8.1 percent annual rate, reflecting decreases in compensation of employees (accompanying a drop in the number of active-duty military personnel), in purchases of goods and services, and in investment for defense equipment.
Manufacturing Led Growth In 2011
Durable-goods manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, and information services were the leading contributors to U.S. economic growth in 2011, according to advance statistics on the breakout of real gross domestic product (GDP) by industry from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Small Counties See Fastest Growth in Personal Incomes for 2010
Small counties registered the fastest growth in personal incomes in 2010, new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show.